The High Court yesterday threw out twin petitions by activist Okiya Omtatah and the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) challenging the hiring of international firm, KPMG, to audit the national voter registry ahead of the August 8 General Election.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had signed a legitimate contract with the firm on March 31 in conformity with the strict constitutional timelines in preparation for the polls, Justice Roselyne Aburili said.
She reasoned that the National Assembly had specifically allowed the polls agency to outsource consultancy services to verify and update the national voter registry and submit recommendations for parliamentary scrutiny to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
The judge observed there were no requirements for stakeholder engagement or public participation before the IEBC initiated the procurement of audit services from professional and reputable firms. The recent changes to electoral laws provided adequate checks and balances to transform the polls system, she said.
Justice Aburili said she was not persuaded by arguments made by Omtatah and Cord that the IEBC had violated their constitutional rights and dismissed their petitions. The court must resist any interference with the strict deadlines by purporting to restructure the Constitution through the back door.
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